Tenryuji Temple, shogun Ashikaga Takauji Mourned Emperor Go-Daigo
Located at Arashiyama, Shogun Ashikaga Takauji built Tenryuji Temple to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo. Sogen pond garden and Could Dragon painting are specutacler.
Kyoto Imperial Palace, Successive Emperor's Residence
The Heian-kyo had been the center of the nation where the successive emperors resided for over 1200 years since the capital relocation from Nara in 794 by the 50th Emperor Kanmu until 1869 when Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo, one year after the Meiji Restoration. The highlight is the beautiful Shishinden Hall with its cypress […]
Honpoji Temple: BIrthplace of the Rimpa School and Hon'ami Koetsu's World of Faith and Beauty
The tender green of the trees from outside is reflected on the polished stone floor at Honpoji Temple in Kyoto. The colors shimmer on the black surface and create a tranquil atmosphere. It’s incredibly beautiful. Honpoji Temple stands as one of the temples within the Nichiren Sect of Buddhism, established by Priest Nisshin during the […]
Yoshimizu & Yoshino Jingu Shrines: Tracing Emperor Go-Daigo and the Story of the Southern Court
Discover Yoshimizu Shrine and Yoshino Jingu in Nara where the story of Emperor Go-Daigo, the Kenmu Restoration, and the Southern Court unfolded amid Japan’s most famous cherry blossom landscape.
Saihoji (Moss Temple): The pinnacle temple created by Zen Priest and Garden Designer, Muso Soseki
The ultimate beauty of nature's formations Saiho-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Moss Temple, is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple that held a special place in Steve Jobs’ heart, drawing him to visit it several times. This enchanting temple boasts a 5,000 square meter garden adorned with approximately 120 distinct varieties of […]
The God of War, Kenshin, and the Muromachi shogunate Revival
Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578, 上杉謙信) was a fervent believer in the god of war, Bishamonten (毘沙門天), using one of the letters of '毘' as an emblem on his own flag, and fighting under the banner of 'Bi'. During his lifetime, he lost only twice out of 71 battles, making him a true military god. During the […]
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion): The Moon-Viewing Temple That Shaped Wabi-Sabi
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, stands quietly at the foot of Mt. Higashiyama, far from the bustling heart of Kyoto. Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490, 足利義政), the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate (1336-1573), ordered its construction during the latter years of his reign. Within the tranquil confines of […]
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion): A Symbol of Buddhist, Samurai, and Courtly Power
Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate (1336-1573), after he retired from politcal power of shogun and became a Buddhist priest. Part of Rokuon-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion is renowned for its unique three-story structure, in which each floor represents […]